What are the responsibilities and job description for the Catering Sales Assistant position at Messina's Inc.?
Company Mission:
Passionate about perfection. Committed to excellence. Passion. Commitment. Excellence.
Core Values:
Teamwork - Passion for excellence - Positive environment - Innovative and fresh
Catering Sales Assistant
Job Overview:
Catering Sales Assistant is responsible for supporting the Management Team in sales and logistics for Messina’s food/beverage events. The Catering Sales Assistant represents our company values and mission statement in all client communication and team communication. Catering Sales Assistant participates and communicates continually with the Sales Team, Operations Team, and Culinary Team to ensure that our client’s expectations are exceeded. Our company is passionate about perfection, committed to excellence, and driven by our core values of teamwork, passion for excellence, a positive environment, and innovative and fresh thinking. This philosophy is core to our business and how we conduct ourselves as an organization and should be reflected in our actions.
General Responsibilities:
- Represents Messina’s as the “First Impression” associate by answering all calls, logging all sales leads in Trippleseat and routing to the appropriate department. Also assists the Messina’s Management Team in planning, executing, and following up for all events.
- Communicates with all clients in a professional manner according to our Messina’s standards, core values and mission statement.
- Utilize Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, Publisher, and Canva to create marketing materials and menu creation.
- Assist Sales Managers in executing Trippleseat Proposals, Contracts, and Invoicing.
- Works with Accounting Department by accepting client payments, logging in payments, and updating contracts.
- Lead organizational duties such as floor plans, food cards, timelines, and offsite event communication with venue managers. Also, create an index for company photos and videos.
- Coordinate with vendors, such as florists, photographer, rental companies, and entertainment providers, to ensure that all event components are seamlessly integrated and executed.
- Follow up with each event to secure photographer photos and videography from event vendors.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with industry influencers and key strategic partners.
- Establishes and maintains a consistent corporate image through professional communication, attire, and behavior.
- Answers company calls according to professional company procedure and directs calls accordingly. Also maintains professionalism when corresponding with clients and co-workers by emails and text messages.
- Facilitates in location-based pickups as deemed by businesses needs.
- Assists Sales Managers in preparing and distributing Banquet Event Orders from Trippleseat to all departments for multiple venues for weekly BEO Meeting.
- Participation in weekly Staff/BEO Meetings.
- Assists as a marketing liaison in the development of social media posts at events for Messina’s Catering and Events.
- Efficiently manages data entry of client information and sales leads, ensuring seamless dissemination of vital information to the relevant team members.
- Provide timely and accurate information to all necessary departments, including the kitchen, banquet staff, and event setup teams, to ensure a smooth and efficient event execution.
- Assists in the plan and coordination of company trade shows and special promotional events which includes but is not limited to: Site visits, wedding tastings, and client event detail meetings to ensure all aspects of the event are executed flawlessly and meet or exceed the client's expectations.
- Develops contacts and networks with the corporate market, conference market, associations, social and civic organizations operating and servicing partner venues in which we cater.
- Conduct post-event follow-up with clients to obtain feedback and ensure satisfaction and use this information to continually improve the catering services.
- In unique instances facilitates other Messina's Manager duties as assigned; based on company business needs & Master Schedule of Events. These events include but are not limited to: Working or managing as needed for weddings, galas, seated lunch/dinners, festivals, and other special events.
- May Perform Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned.
Job Qualifications
Experience/Knowledge:
- High School diploma, GED or equivalent experience preferred.
- 1-3 years of experience in catering sales within the Restaurant, Food, & Hospitality industry and or a related field.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with guests, staff members, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Skills/Aptitude:
- Presents self in a highly professional manner to others and understands that honesty and ethics are essential.
- Maintains a positive attitude and demonstrates resilience in the face of challenges.
- Ability to communicate with co-workers and other departments with professionalism and respect.
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with coworkers, vendor representatives, supervisors, managers, customers, and client representatives.
- Proficiency in using CRM software (“Trippleseat ”), Microsoft Office, and other relevant software tools.
- Proven sales and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Good working knowledge of food preparation & event coordination.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as required by the job.
- Ability to think creatively and provide innovative solutions to clients
License/Qualifications:
Certifications: None.
General Qualifications:
- Professional demeanor and appearance, including the ability to dress appropriately in business casual attire
- Guest Focus: A passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, with the ability to anticipate guest needs and respond to feedback in a timely and effective manner.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex problems, with a focus on growth and sustainability.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with guests, staff members, and other stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
- Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and maintain a high level of accuracy.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, with the flexibility to adjust plans and strategies as needed.
- Teamwork: A collaborative and team-oriented approach to work, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
- Problem Solving: Ability to identify and analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to address issues as they arise.
Physical Requirements:
- Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.
- Significant walking or other means of mobility.
- Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time.
- Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds.
Working Conditions:
- Generally, in an indoor setting, however, may supervise outside activities and events.
- Varying schedule to include evenings, holidays, weekends, and extended hours based on the needs of the business.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily in a controlled, temperate environment; however, may be exposed to heat/cold during support of outside activities.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
